We’re Most Excited About These 7 New Air Routes Coming in 2026

Several U.S. carriers have announced new domestic and international routes that will launch in 2026. Whether you're looking for a direct flight from the nation's largest city to the world's first national park or a trip to northern Spain or a dramatic Mediterranean island without the hassle of a connection, we think you'll be pretty happy with these new offerings. Here are the seven new routes for 2026 that we're most excited about.

1. Seattle (SEA) to Rome, Italy (FCO) - Alaska Airlines, April 2026

This route marks Alaska Airlines' first-ever route to Europe—and a salvo at Delta's long-haul dominance out of Seattle. Following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and its widebody fleet, Alaska, which dominates the domestic market out of Seattle, is finally able to compete globally—and head-to-head with Delta, which rules the long-haul market out of SEA. For Alaska loyalists, this means flying a familiar brand directly to the Eternal City. In a move to protect its market share, Delta has also announced a new SEA-Rome route for 2026.

2. Burbank, California (BUR) or Ontario, California (ONT) to Honolulu - Southwest Airlines, Summer 2026

For travelers in the greater Los Angeles area, these new routes are game changers. Burbank (fka Bob Hope Airport) is beloved for its ease of access, small size, and lack of crowds compared to chaotic LAX. With Southwest's direct flight to Honolulu from “Hollywood’s backyard,” residents can skip the dreaded 405 freeway traffic (cue a camera mug a la The Californians) and fly to the islands from a more convenient, less-stressful airport.

Similar to the Burbank announcement, the Southwest route from ONT is a victory for the "Inland Empire" of Southern California. Ontario International Airport has been rapidly growing as an easier-to-access alternative to LAX. This route opens the door to Hawaii for millions of residents in eastern Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties—without the hassle of driving across the LA metro to fly out.

3. Newark (EWR) to Santiago de Compostela, Spain (SCQ) - United Airlines, May 2026

This route marks the first-ever nonstop service from the U.S. to Santiago de Compostela, capital of Spain's Galicia region and the famous end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. With this route, U.S. travelers can now bypass major hubs like Madrid or Barcelona and reach northern Spain's dramatic landscapes directly. This is perfect for those less interested in big city destinations or airport connections.

4. New York (JFK) to Olbia, Sardinia, Italy (OLB) - Delta Air Lines, May 2026

This route was the winner of Delta’s first-ever "Route Race"—a contest in which SkyMiles members voted on new destinations. It will connect U.S. travelers directly to the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia. Known for its turquoise waters, exclusive resorts, and its status as a "Blue Zone" for longevity, Sardinia has traditionally been difficult to reach from the U.S. without a European connection. This new route will open the door to this exquisite Italian island for U.S. travelers.

5. New York (JFK) to Jackson Hole, Wyoming - American Airlines, June 2026

This new summer seasonal route will connect the busiest hub in the financial capital of the U.S. directly to the gateway for Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. It will be the only nonstop service between JFK and Jackson Hole, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers who want to trade the skyscraper canyons of NYC for those of the American West.

6. Atlanta (ATL) to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH) - Delta Air Lines, October 2026

This route will make Delta the first U.S. carrier to operate a nonstop flight to Saudi Arabia. It's a strategic move linking the world’s busiest airport with the rapidly growing Saudi capital. The service will use an Airbus A350-900, Delta's new flagship for long-haul flights, and offers a direct link to a destination that previously required a connection through Europe or other Gulf states.

7. Philadelphia (PHL) to Budapest, Hungary (BUD) - American Airlines, May 2026

After a long hiatus, American Airlines is restoring connectivity to Central Europe, a region that's been underserved by U.S. carriers in recent years. Budapest is one of Europe's most architecturally stunning and affordable cities. The new route means U.S. travelers won't have to connect through London, Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam to reach the historic capital. This is exciting news for river cruise passengers and cultural tourists longing to visit the "Pearl of the Danube."

These new routes will make for exciting new travel options in 2026. Will you fly any of them? If you're looking for even more inspiration for next year's travels, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.